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Science News Archive November 2007 - Page 4


Page 4 of 19

Is your heart aging faster than you are?

A new MUHC study found that informing patients about their cardiovascular risk and receiving ongoing feedback from their doctor leads to greater drops in lipid levels. Patients with higher risk profiles experienced a greater impact on their risk profile, highlighting the importance of communicating calculated cardiovascular risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Environmental exodus

A study by Rafael Reuveny examines the impact of climate change on population migration and conflict. He advocates for a five-step approach to minimize climate change-induced migration and violent conflict in receiving areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateNov 26, 2007

Penn State gets Critical Zone Observatory

The Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory will investigate how soils form from bedrock, affecting water movement and groundwater flow. Researchers will conduct field experiments and implement high-performance computers to predict weathering rates and model the impact of forest regolith on local water resources.

Drugs may not delay onset of dementia; and more

Researchers examined the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The study found no significant reduction in the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, suggesting that these drugs may not be beneficial for patients with MCI.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

Pol3 mutation disrupts organ growth

A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2007

Penn research shows transcranial magnetic stimulation effective in treating major depression

A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 2007

Red blood cell transfusions under scrutiny

A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that red blood cell transfusions may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in cardiac surgery patients, regardless of haemoglobin levels or age. The research suggests a three-fold increase in complications arising from lack of oxygen to key organs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCirculation·DateNov 26, 2007

Smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers

A study by Temple University researcher Dr. Robert Whitaker found that smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers, affecting the health of their children. The combination may lead to sudden infant death, asthma, ear infections, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, language delay, and childhood depression.

SourceTemple University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

For treating malaria, less drugs may be best drugs

Using fewer drugs in treating malaria could help slow the spread of drug resistance, making patients just as healthy. Longer treatment periods increase resistant parasite numbers, which can lead to shorter lifespan of antimalarial drugs.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2007

Brilliant perspectives

PETRA III will be one of the world's leading sources for short-wavelength X-rays, enabling innovative research in medicine, materials science, and molecular biology. The new facility will feature 14 experimental stations and a unique combination of light sources, attracting scientists from Germany and abroad.

AMPATH: Restoring lives not just immune systems

The AMPATH program, a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care, has made an ongoing difference in large numbers of individuals and communities. By addressing medical care, nutritional sufficiency, and economic security, AMPATH has improved the lives of over 52,000 HIV-positive people in western Kenya.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

The good and bad of medical research

The Lancet's Editor Dr. Richard Horton emphasizes the significance of non-experimental research in medicine, citing examples of reliable causal inferences and notable errors. He stresses the need for rigorous scientific practice, communication, and replication to ensure credibility and inform policymaking.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2007

Accuracy of past hurricane counts good

A statistical model based on climate factors indicates that the estimated undercount of historic tropical storms in the Atlantic is only slightly below actual numbers. The researchers found that the average undercount bias from 1870 to 1944 was approximately one tropical storm per year.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 26, 2007

The proof is in the tree bark

A study by Indiana University researchers found Dechlorane Plus, a chlorinated flame retardant, in tree bark across the northeastern US, with highest concentrations near the Niagara Falls factory. Tree bark can serve as a natural passive sampling device to detect airborne chemicals.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 26, 2007